A novel technique to specifically separate RNAs by Schizophyllan

Schizophyllan (SPG) is a kind of beta-1,3-glucan which has glucose side chain through a beta-1,6-glycosil bond (Fig. 1). It was found that SPG could form complex with single stranded polynucleotides. SPG complexes with single stranded RNAs that have similar helix parameter to triple stranded SPG thorough hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. We prepared single stranded SPG appended gel supports. It worked as affinity column for polynucleotides. Poly(C) and poly(A) was retained in the SPG column at low temperature, though poly(G) passed by SPG column without interaction. RNAs trapped in the SPG appended column were released by changing elution buffer under mild condition. This SPG column could use to separation of mRNA which has poly(A) tail. The results obtained led to the conclusion that SPG which has neither cation charge or nucleic base can play as RNA separation material.